a 28-ounce can plum tomatoes, the juice discarded and the tomatoes chopped and drained well

cayenne to taste if desired

1 pound elbow macaroni

1 1/2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack (about 6 ounces)

1 1/2 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar (about 6 ounces)

1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs

1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan (about 1/4 pound)

Preparation

In a large heavy saucepan cook the onion, the garlic, the jalapeños, the coriander, and the cumin in the butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, stir in the flour, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the milk in a stream, whisking, bring the liquid to a boil, whisking, and whisk in the tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes and add the cayenne and salt and pepper to taste.

In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the macaroni for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it is barely al dente, drain it well, and in a large bowl combine it with the tomato mixture. Stir in the Monterey Jack and the Cheddar and transfer the mixture to a buttered 13- to 14- by 9-inch shallow baking dish or 3-quart gratin dish. In a bowl stir together the bread crumbs and the Parmesan, sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture, and bake the macaroni and cheese in the middle of a preheated 375°F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is golden and bubbling.

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Recent Review

My friends loved this, but I made some modifications. I more than doubled the amount of cheese (close to 8 cups). I used 2 large fresh jalepenos. (Next time I would use 3-4, to make it hotter). I used a 16 oz can of tomatoes with jalepenos, and only 3 1/2 cups of milk.